Forgotten Realms novels: The Crystal Shard by R. A. Salvatore (1988)
The second of the Forgotten Realms novels to be published is also the start of the second sub-series, The Icewind Dale Trilogy, and the first appearance of the most popular character of the entire series: Drizzt Do'Urden. Of the more than 50 novels Salvatore has gone on to write in his career so far, over twenty feature Drizzt.
The first section of the novel introduces us to the independent towns of Icewind Dale, a collection of human settlements on the Northern edge of civilization. Here we meet three friends, none of them human, who collectively hold the key to defeating a threatening barbarian horde. The halfling Regis is a fugitive from the southern city of Calimport, where he had stolen a magic gem from the leader of the local thieves' guild. The dwarf Bruenor is the leader of a clan of dwarves who had been driven from their ancestral home some years earlier. They live in Icewind Dale in preparation for returning to reclaim their homeland. Drizzt is yet another fugitive, a dark elf (or Drow) outcast from his cruel and scheming race for having a conscience. (Here we see some of the questionable racial politics of classic role-playing game settings rear its head. Drow are officially Chaotic Evil at this point, after all). The abilities of these three outsiders prove vital to uniting the squabbling towns (via the hypnotic powers of Regis' magic gem) and defeating the invading horde. In the final battle, Bruenor spares the life of a young barbarian warrior, and takes him on as an indentured servant.
Five years later, the young northerner Wulfgar has almost reached adulthood, having been trained in blacksmithing by Bruenor. Having proven more inquisitive and tolerant than most members of his clan, and having become like family to his dwarven captor, Wulfgar is to be given his freedom by Bruenor upon reaching adulthood. However, for the last few weeks of indenture, Bruenor hands the boy over to Drizzt for training in combat and survival, giving him a magical warhammer as a parting gift. Once again, however, the Dale is threatened, this time by an evil mage empowered by an ancient artifact. As the mage uses his power to gather an army of orcs, goblins, ogres, and giants, and attempts to bring the barbarians under his sway, it once again falls to our four heroes (well, three heroes and Regis) to unite the towns.
While far from greatness, The Crystal Shard is a solidly plotted tale with an appealing band of heroes, and a huge improvement over the first Realms novel. This is Salvatore's first published work, and his inexperience shows with the occasional badly-turned metaphor, purple phrase, or misused vocabulary. However, the story moves well, the characters are well-drawn, and the whole affair shows a good sense of humor and lack of ponderousness.
The most pleasant surprise here is how much I liked the character of Drizzt. In a clear demonstration of my jaundiced view of fantasy/SF/comics fandom's tastes, I expected a grim, snarling badass, full of disdain and bent on vengeance. Instead, what Salvatore gives us is, yes, a badass, but a genuinely good-hearted badass. Drizzt is isolated from his own people, and treated with suspicion and hostility by others who have every right to be suspicious of the average Drow. Instead off returning this hostility, or turning it into feelings of superiority to his persecutors, Drizzt instead attempts to earn the trust of the people of the Dales, risking himself for their benefit. He also treasures the few close friendships he has found. It was truly nice to discover this hero of thousands of socially marginalized adolescents was, in fact, a good role model. (God, that makes me sound old...) Our other heroes are likewise appealing. Bruenor is a sturdy father figure to young Wulfgar, who himself wants nothing more than to return to his people and teach them a thing or two about not rampaging, for their own betterment. Regis, of course, wants to be left alone, to enjoy three (or more) square meals, and for people not to make such a big deal about personal property. All very understandable.
All in all, I'm looking forward to spending more time in the company of these fine folks. But first... the first novel appearance of Elminster the Sage: Spellfire!
The first section of the novel introduces us to the independent towns of Icewind Dale, a collection of human settlements on the Northern edge of civilization. Here we meet three friends, none of them human, who collectively hold the key to defeating a threatening barbarian horde. The halfling Regis is a fugitive from the southern city of Calimport, where he had stolen a magic gem from the leader of the local thieves' guild. The dwarf Bruenor is the leader of a clan of dwarves who had been driven from their ancestral home some years earlier. They live in Icewind Dale in preparation for returning to reclaim their homeland. Drizzt is yet another fugitive, a dark elf (or Drow) outcast from his cruel and scheming race for having a conscience. (Here we see some of the questionable racial politics of classic role-playing game settings rear its head. Drow are officially Chaotic Evil at this point, after all). The abilities of these three outsiders prove vital to uniting the squabbling towns (via the hypnotic powers of Regis' magic gem) and defeating the invading horde. In the final battle, Bruenor spares the life of a young barbarian warrior, and takes him on as an indentured servant.
Five years later, the young northerner Wulfgar has almost reached adulthood, having been trained in blacksmithing by Bruenor. Having proven more inquisitive and tolerant than most members of his clan, and having become like family to his dwarven captor, Wulfgar is to be given his freedom by Bruenor upon reaching adulthood. However, for the last few weeks of indenture, Bruenor hands the boy over to Drizzt for training in combat and survival, giving him a magical warhammer as a parting gift. Once again, however, the Dale is threatened, this time by an evil mage empowered by an ancient artifact. As the mage uses his power to gather an army of orcs, goblins, ogres, and giants, and attempts to bring the barbarians under his sway, it once again falls to our four heroes (well, three heroes and Regis) to unite the towns.
While far from greatness, The Crystal Shard is a solidly plotted tale with an appealing band of heroes, and a huge improvement over the first Realms novel. This is Salvatore's first published work, and his inexperience shows with the occasional badly-turned metaphor, purple phrase, or misused vocabulary. However, the story moves well, the characters are well-drawn, and the whole affair shows a good sense of humor and lack of ponderousness.
The most pleasant surprise here is how much I liked the character of Drizzt. In a clear demonstration of my jaundiced view of fantasy/SF/comics fandom's tastes, I expected a grim, snarling badass, full of disdain and bent on vengeance. Instead, what Salvatore gives us is, yes, a badass, but a genuinely good-hearted badass. Drizzt is isolated from his own people, and treated with suspicion and hostility by others who have every right to be suspicious of the average Drow. Instead off returning this hostility, or turning it into feelings of superiority to his persecutors, Drizzt instead attempts to earn the trust of the people of the Dales, risking himself for their benefit. He also treasures the few close friendships he has found. It was truly nice to discover this hero of thousands of socially marginalized adolescents was, in fact, a good role model. (God, that makes me sound old...) Our other heroes are likewise appealing. Bruenor is a sturdy father figure to young Wulfgar, who himself wants nothing more than to return to his people and teach them a thing or two about not rampaging, for their own betterment. Regis, of course, wants to be left alone, to enjoy three (or more) square meals, and for people not to make such a big deal about personal property. All very understandable.
All in all, I'm looking forward to spending more time in the company of these fine folks. But first... the first novel appearance of Elminster the Sage: Spellfire!